TechPhonesAndroid PhonesGoogle Meet and Duo are merging but it’s still a confusing propositionVoice and video calls are now all in one place for all Google users and that’s a good thing but it’s not completely clearWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechPhonesAndroid PhonesGoogle Meet and Duo are merging but it’s still a confusing propositionVoice and video calls are now all in one place for all Google users and that’s a good thing but it’s not completely clearWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Voice and video calls are now all in one place for all Google users and that’s a good thing but it’s not completely clear
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
While Duo and Meet have previously both offered video calls, Duo was more of a consumer tool for chats with friends, while Meet is more of a business tool for meetings (hence the name). In essence, Duo is more of a FaceTime, while Meet is closer to Zoom.
The pandemic and remote working have seen the use of Google Meet spike and more people then started to use it for personal calls too. Duo has many advantages over Meet, including the ability to call mobile numbers, doodle, add masks and effects to your calls, as well as make voice calls. Meanwhile, Meet allows you to schedule video calls. The new app will bring all the features from both together.
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
How these new products are combined is a little complicated though. The Duo app will be renamed Meet, while the current Meet app will be known as Meet original before eventually being retired later in the year. The logic behind this is to avoid losing any of the saved messages, contacts and history. Something that isn’t really an issue with Meet.
Google is banking on Meet being the more obvious name for video chat, and it definitely is but whether people will want to use the same tool for business calls as they do for personal ones is to be seen. I’ve always liked Skype but I’d not think to useMicrosoftteams for a personal call.
Google still offers a separate Chat app, as well as Spaces for group chats. I do wonder if ultimately Chat could look after all communication. After all, tools like Whatsapp and Messenger don’t separate a voice and video chat, so there seems little need to here.
In some ways, I would prefer to see Duo and Chat combine and leave Meet as its own business-focused offering. For now though, I’m happy to have one less choice to make for my video calls.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Today’s best Google Pixel 6 deals$337.99$299.99View$417.66View$799.99ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 6 deals$337.99$299.99View$417.66View$799.99ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Google Pixel 6 deals
$337.99$299.99View$417.66View$799.99View
$337.99$299.99View
$337.99$299.99View
$337.99$299.99View
$337.99$299.99
$299.99
$417.66View
$417.66View
$417.66View
$417.66
$417.66
$799.99View
$799.99View
$799.99View
$799.99
$799.99
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Try this 4-week core workout plan to build strength, stability, and definitionUnlock full-body power with this simple yet effective core routine – no endless crunches, just real results
Unlock full-body power with this simple yet effective core routine – no endless crunches, just real results
Netflix is making a huge surprise change for hit spy show’s new seasonThe Recruit is taking a global trip this time out
The Recruit is taking a global trip this time out
Google Meet just stepped up its video chatGoogle Meet just added some cool new features to make virtual meetings more bearable
Google Meet just added some cool new features to make virtual meetings more bearable
